Staying Safe at the Range

Soon we will be coming up on the busiest time of year at gun ranges. General hunting season doesn’t open in Texas until November, but many shooters travel to states to hunt using firearms as early as September. When gun ranges become crowded, I pack up my gear and leave. With so many shooters in one small area, it seems the odds of an accident must be higher.

Like many folks, I love to shoot and do so regularly. By shooting often, it improves skills that ultimately will increase the likelihood of a good ethical shot. My favorite and most productive time at the gun range is early morning. Typically, I have the entire place to myself and winds are light. It is the perfect time to try out different ammunition and perfect shooting skills. Many times I am finished and gone before another shooter even shows up. No safety concerns, no waiting on others before changing targets and the barrage of gunfire isn’t present to distract me.

Crowds continue to grow at gun ranges until the day before deer season. I have seen virtually every bench occupied with people waiting their turn to shoot. How could this be a good time to make sure your firearm is sighted in and just as important, how could it be enjoyable?

Years ago when teaching my children how to shoot, they really brought it to my attention. Children (at least most I know) love to shoot and are eager to go to the range. It is important to teach them how to shoot properly, handle firearms responsibly and to be aware of their surroundings. When crowds were present my kids not only didn’t want to go, they absolutely refused. It was then that I became aware that we had raised some pretty responsible kids.

Next time you head to the gun range, take the time to observe how other shooters practice gun safety or how they don’t. Keep an eye on the shooter that can’t even get on paper, no matter how many shots they fire. Look for the person that doesn’t leave their action open during a cease-fire or the person that doesn’t ALWAYS point their gun in a safe direction. When ranges become crowded you will see these things and more. But you won’t see me.

It is always a good idea to make sure your rifle is sighted in prior to hunting. Mine is and once it is shooting where I want it, I store it securely in a case to minimize the possibility of it getting off target. Upon arrival at my hunting destination I simply need to shoot one time to confirm that the point of impact hasn’t changed.

No matter what you shoot or where you hunt, gun safety is the most important thing to practice. Unfortunately, lots of people have been killed with an unloaded gun. Make sure and check your firearm and double-check it. Many times hunters and serious shooters become complacent and a tragedy occurs. All firearm owners have a responsibility to themselves and others. This season when you head to your hunting area with your children, co-workers, dog or anyone else, make sure you all return safely.

Keith Warren

Keith Warren is an icon in the outdoor television industry and a devoted conservationist. He has been producing and hosting television shows specifically geared to outdoorsmen since 1984 and has appeared on networks such as Outdoor Channel, VERSUS, ESPN, ESPN II, Sportsman’s Channel and Pursuit Channel.

Keith hosts two nationally broadcast television shows, The High Road with Keith Warren and Deer & Wildlife Stories with Keith Warren.

Keith is an exceptional big game hunter and expert marksman, shooting long guns and handguns as well as archery equipment and his marksmanship is evident in his hunting videos.

Keith is a Texas native who grew up in Dallas. As a young child he began hunting and fishing with his family. For more than 3 decades, he has worked tirelessly to help motivate more Americans enjoy the great outdoors. “When people are connected to nature, they make better choices,” says Warren. “People in the 21st century need to become better connected to nature and realize that we all share a responsibility to take care of our precious natural resources.”

Keith Warren was the recipient of countless awards. Here is a list of some of them. The 2003 Bass Pro Shops “Pass It On Award,” more than 3 dozen regional and national Awards from the Texas Outdoor Writers Association and the Outdoor Writers Association of America for Excellence in video production, the 1st place award from OWAA in 2003. He received more awards from the Texas Outdoor Writers Association than all other programs combined. Keith was nominated in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 for Outdoor Channel’s Golden Moose Award in the “Fan Favorite” hunting and fishing categories. He was selected Best Show Host in 2007 and 2009 for Sportsman’s Channel. He has received over a dozen coveted Telly Awards. In addition, Keith was the recipient of the Hal Swiggett Award, which recognizes excellence in outdoor journalism and outstanding service to the sport of fair chase hunting.

Keith also earned the rank Eagle Scout at the young age of twelve years old and is one of the youngest ever to earn that rank.